Coupling Cocks, Reds and Yellows
Red and yellow hoses carry compressed air between carriages on a train and so forming a circuit for use in the trains braking system. Coupling cocks are located in line between the carriage and the hose and are used to isolate a carriages air supply if required. The system is a fail-safe and in the event of loss of system pressure the braking system will be engaged.
The hoses and cocks are periodically removed from the train and sent to Tidyco for overhaul. The overhaul procedure consists of stripping all parts and shot blasted then repainted, withh all rubber hoses and seals replaced, rebuilt and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Tidyco currently overhauls over 500 hoses and coupling cocks per month for use on the UK rail network. With our own in-house equipment, this means that lead times have been reduced and capacity increased.
Discharge Valves
Forming part of a train's effluent system, the discharge valve is used to switch the emptying of the train’s effluent tank. These valves are periodically removed from the train and sent to Tidyco for overhaul. The overhaul procedure briefly consists of stripping and cleaning all parts, replacing all seals, rebuilding and testing. Tidyco is a Parker Hannifin Premier Distributor, so only use the best products available.
Once refurbished, they are are then sent back to the train company, good as new, ready to be refitted.
Manifold Blocks
A manifold block typically refers to a component used in hydraulic systems, especially in industrial and mechanical applications. It is designed to consolidate various hydraulic functions and connections into a single, compact unit, thus simplifying the system's design, installation, and maintenance.
Tidyco overhaul various different manifolds such as the manifold blocks that control the tilting angle on high speed trains to enable safer, faster cornering on high speed trains. Adhering to strict overhaul procedures for safety critical railway items, the manifolds are stripped down, all the seals are removed and the blocks are then cleaned and subjected to a thorough inspection for wear and tear. Any damaged blocks are discarded and replaced while those passing inspection are fitted with new seals, re-assembled and fully tested before refitting to the vehicle.